According to the Saxon State Chancellery:

"Prof. Dr Carsten Drebenstedt (65) is considered an outstanding scientist in the field of mining and enjoys a very good reputation both nationally and internationally. He has been Head of the Chair of Opencast Mining at the TU Bergakademie Freiberg since 1999 and is also involved in voluntary work in addition to his scientific activities. One example of this is the World Forum of Resource Universities for Sustainability founded by TU Freiberg with 100 member universities from more than 50 countries. Prof Drebenstedt was a key initiator and has been involved in the development of global raw materials strategies as Secretary General since the forum was founded. He also played a key role in establishing a global network for the Bergakademie. Today there are scientific co-operations with partners in 40 countries. In this way, he contributes to good scientific relations and at the same time to the promotion of mining safety in countries such as Mozambique, India, Vietnam and Ukraine."

The Rector of TUBAF, Professor Klaus-Dieter Barbknecht, further congratulates:

"Internationality is not just lip service at TU Bergakademie Freiberg, but a lived practice. We have around 50% international students and our university enjoys an excellent reputation all over the world. Professor Drebenstedt's tireless commitment has contributed significantly to this. He has now received the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany, the highest honour our country bestows for services to the common good. I would like to congratulate Carsten Drebenstedt wholeheartedly and thank him for his commitment to our university!"

The Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany, known as the Federal Cross of Merit for short, honours citizens who have rendered outstanding services to the common good in the fields of politics, social affairs, business, science and culture. In addition to Professor Drebenstedt, fourteen other personalities from Saxony have currently received the award.